Having fun, apparently, is a big part of what goes on at the Manhattan Senior Center of Riley County. Director Liz Nelson and Program Coordinator Dane Schmidt have a lively discussion on this Aging Gratefully Podcast episode, talking about the many activities and services offered, including games, music, talks, exercise sessions, Halloween parties,…

Taking life day by day and doing the best we can are suggestions from Lori Bishop, who has 40-plus years in nonprofit management, primarily as Executive Director of the Flint Hills Volunteer Center and Director of the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP of Riley County. Lori not only shares her own personal story, including the death of one of her sons by suic…

Continuing to stay community-minded is important, according to retired Riley County Fire Chief and Emergency Director Pat Collins. Pat shares how he is spending his days later in life, as he still does volunteer fire/rescue work and serves with his local township. Pat stresses the importance of financial considerations, though, as many of us find u…

Meadowlark Hills' Michelle Haub and Katie Sigman rejoin "Aging Gratefully" to talk about the Memory Program, that offers free services for those throughout the community who are dealing with memory issues. Through their day to day work with clients and care-givers, these two women offer encouragement through the many ways they help those with demen…

Dave and Sonya Baker are living full lives, with Dave in the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame after years of playing and coaching, and Sonya still serving as Curriculum Integrity Manager at Kansas State University after nearly 50 years in higher education. "You're only as old as you feel" and "God puts you where he wants you to be" are just some though…

For 40-plus years, Julie Govert Walter has worked with older Kansans in her role as Executive Director of the North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging. She reminds us all to be grateful and to remember that even if we're older and gray, we still have something to say. Julie also shares important information about services offered and regardin…

"Look around you" and "try ways to get engaged" are thoughts from retired K-State Dean of Libraries Lori Goetsch as she transitions to her new stage of life. Lori shares highlights of her career, but also tells us how work with the local animal shelter, singing, and serving as president of the local Fairy Godmothers that serves women in need has he…

"Do what you enjoy" and "Find Something to keep you busy" are suggestions from Donna Keyser, a retired registered dietician who worked with several school systems and now teaches yoga four days a week. Donna shares stories about her earlier life as the oldest of four girls on a ranch with her race horse trainer dad and a bit later as a single mom. …

After 52 years of marriage and active career lives, Carol and Michael Warden have a lot to share about Aging Gratefully. "Give and Take," and remembering to say "I love you: are just some suggestions from this couple, despite Michael's Parkinson's diagnosis attributed to Agent Orange in Vietnam.Cathy Dawes Scroggs által

Keep going, listen, and learn to tolerate the unknown are thoughts coming from Dee McKee, who really has not retired, with her continuing commitment as a county commissioner. Dee also mentions saying a prayer and "letting go" at times for God to handle things.Dee shares her early days in a big family on a Spearville, Ks. farm. to her work with spec…

As he begins his fifth year of retirement from many years of service at Kansas State University, former Associate Provost Brian Niehoff talks about being open and giving back to the community you're in. From his early years of being a middle child in a big family that enjoyed music, Brian continues to enjoy life with his wife Usha, his role as a ne…

"Get healthy" and be willing to listen and engage with others are just some suggestions from Sydney Carlin, a State Representative for 20 plus years, a widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and active community member. Sydney shares her experiences during the many chapters of her life with some tears and laughter--from the early 4-h days i…

From a youngster in the Catholic schools to the jungles of Vietnam, followed by a 50-plus year in broadcasting at the highest level of owning and managing, Rich Wartell has a lot to share. Keeping as healthy as possible and keeping in touch with family is a priority for Rich, as he continues to age gratefully.…

Taking care of yourself, watching your attitude, and having faith things will turn out well are just some suggestions from Connie Mason Michaelis and Pat Michaelis. This powerful couple from Topeka lend their special insight after many years of advocating for healthy aging, Connie is a writer and speaker on the subject, and Pat has worked on afford…

This episode features three sisters, including yours truly, who reflect on the different ways we've each dealt with retirement. Karen Cray Seaberg continues to serve on the family-founded MGP's board and is active with the Amelia Earhart Festival and Hangar Museum in our hometown, Atchison, Kansas. Middle sister Susie retired in her 50s after ownin…

Kindness and respect are what long-time K-State Dean and Vice Provost Beth Unger hopes to be remembered for. From her earlier years as a pioneering woman in the tech industry, Beth also shares how mental health affected both her husband and son. She candidly shares insights on navigating such issues and living life to the fullest.…

Described as an icon and the face of Kansas State University, Pat Bosco has left a five decade career and traded in all the fancy titles for Grandpa. While he still loves all things purple for his alma mater and employer of many years, Pat is thankful for his health and life partner, his wife Susan, in his later years.…

"Just because you're retired doesn't mean you don't have a purpose" and "Find what you enjoy" are just some words of advice from Karen and Gordon Hibbard. The two recently retired from Dale Carnegie ownership--after Karen's many years with the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Gordon's busy years with Dale C…

Purple heart awardee and Vietnam veteran Doug Teener and his wife Linda Teener, who recently retired from 40 plus years with Kansas State University and UFM Community Learning Center, share their transition from early historic folk music performances in the early days of their marriage to later years with passions for legos and quilting. In the mid…

Johnny and Susie Cyrene are a truly inspiring couple, saying they're more in love than ever after a more than 60 year marriage. This hard working couple talk about the importance of being truthful, talking it out, and figuring things out together as they continue their romance these later years of their lives.…

"Sit down and listen" are just some words of advice from Father Don Zimmerman, who was ordained to the priesthood more than 50 years ago. Father Don, who rode a Harley-Davidson motorcycle for many years, has a lot to share about his own retirement and from working with "golden year" parishioners through the years.…

Brenda and Rob Edleston in their later '60's are raising a 9 year old child on a ranch with 37 Cashmere goats, 3 horses, 22 chickens, and 6 dogs. Hear their story of past careers in the military and education, with suggestions of "learning to appreciate yourself" and "giving yourself some grace", as well as "living a life" in another Aging Grateful…

From his early years in a band that made the Kansas Music Hall of Fame and studying nuclear physics, Doug Chapman better known as "Chappie," keeps up with his musical passion on a smaller solo scale in his golden years. While he misses many of his radio contacts from another job he worked along the way, he wakes up every morning and tells himself t…

After a busy career as a building official and Assistant Chief for the Manhattan Fire Department, Brad Claussen now has more time to spend with grandchildren and to compete in trap shooting. He tells us how running his own home inspection business with his daughter, religious faith, and family keeps him active in his retirement years.…

Taking it easy after retirement are words of advice from this busy couple, Dean Emeritus of K-State's Global campus Sue Maes and her retired psychologist husband Dennis Hemmendinger. However both have continued to stay active in community groups, travelled around the world, and enjoy their role as grandparents.We can learn a lot from this couple of…

Finding more time to spend with the younger generation is one way retired Healthcare Executive Randy Peterson is dealing with his golden years. We'll also hear from Randy about how to be better advocates for ourselves in medical settings during this time of our life.Cathy Dawes Scroggs által

"I am not always productive, but I am rarely bored." Frank Arthur shares how he keeps himself busy after a very active career as an entomology researcher, which took him around the world.Cathy Dawes Scroggs által

Retired business manager, Vietnam veteran, and former Manhattan Mayor Bob Strawn is enjoying his retirement years--learn about his experience coming home from Vietnam and other ups and downs of his life through the years.Cathy Dawes Scroggs által

Keep fighting and enjoy each day are just some of the words of wisdom from Michelle Haub and Katie Sigman, who run the Parkinson's Program at Meadowlark. Their passion for their work and clients is inspiring in this discussion about a unique portion of the Aging Gratefully population.Cathy Dawes Scroggs által

From a busy 4 decades in city government to travelling the world and enjoying time with his wife on a full-time basis, Ron Fehr has made a smooth transition to the retirement lifestyle. While still in the “honeymoon” phase of retirement, the former City Manager shares suggestions on living each day, with a healthy diet, exercise including walks wit…

This retired early childhood educator has a unique perspective on Aging Gratefully, while dealing with her older father who is in a different stage of his life. Renee Fehr tells us of having to be an advocate for her father as he struggles to learn healthier eating and exercise habits, while dealing with dementia and Parkinson’s disease issues. Ren…

"Just do it" are words of advice coming from Barb DeSanto, who finds herself again teaching at Kansas State University in her 70's, while also working with the Flint Hills Agency on Aging and other local volunteer groups. She tells us how a good circle of friends and her faith have gotten her through her many years of caregiving for her late husban…

Imagine being newlyweds in your late '80's and early '90's. Ed and Linda Weis Olson unexpectedly found love a second time late in life and share their love story as they both continue to age gratefully. Linda continues to work as an active real estate broker-owner and both have a good circle of friends and family.…

This special retiree began a radio career at the age of 16 and continues to share his skill set as a narrator on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad. Steve Smethers retired from many years of broadcasting and educating, with his last position as Director of the A.Q. Miller Schol of Media and Communication at Kansas State University. Steve shares …

Deb Skidmore has had numerous professional roles throughout her career as a journalist. She tells Cathy about the dynamics of retiring from Fort Riley and Kansas State University. Deb reveals how her new life has given her opportunities to grow in faith.Cathy Dawes Scroggs által

We have 2 perfect guests for our debut episode. C. Clyde Jones, now 102, is a Manhattan and K-State icon. He shares stories of his life experiences and perspectives on becoming a centenarian. Robbin Cole recently retired as the Executive Director of Pawnee Mental Health, where she made a significant impact in the mental health community. She talks …

The Trailer! It’s been just 6 short years since Cathy Scroggs (Dawes) signed off the radio for the last time. Now, she’s back to share her voice, wisdom, and heartfelt conversations on the Aging Gratefully podcast. Learn more about Cathy’s incredible journey and get ready to hear her again as she explores the ups and downs of aging with gratitude.…